Ameisenberg is a gently cone-shaped, forest-covered peak in the northern Zittau Mountains, known for its striking sandstone rock formations rising among the trees. It's a place where dramatic cliffs meet an old legend about giants turned into ants — a rewarding destination for hikers who enjoy a mix of nature and folklore.

The entire summit is cloaked in forest, and its character is shaped by numerous sandstone formations, especially on the eastern side and near the summit — including the Bastei, Wilde Mauer, and Robertfelsen rock towers. The steep eastern slope drops into a deep valley toward Töpfer, through which runs the narrow-gauge Zittau railway and the road connecting Olbersdorf and Oybin. In spring and summer the woods feel lush and alive, autumn brings striking contrasts between colorful foliage and grey stone, while winter offers quiet, peaceful trails.

How to reach the summit

• Oybin — hiking trail, moderate difficulty, walking time depends on pace
• Olbersdorf — alternative hiking trail to the summit
• 'Teufelsmühle' stop on the narrow-gauge railway line — convenient starting point in the valley

Practical information

• A mountain shelter (Schutzhütte) is located near the summit
• The old trade route 'Alte Leipaer Straße' runs along the western slope
• Along this route, on the northwestern side, you'll find the 'Hungerbrunnen' spring and the 'Brotstein' (bread stone)
• The annual 'Zittauer Gebirgslauf und Wandertreff' running and hiking event passes over the peak
• Popular climbing destinations here include the 'Katzenkerbe' and the 'Bastei'

According to local legend, a wild and brutal race of giants once lived at the foot of Ameisenberg, tyrannizing the local people, until a devout hermit transformed them all into ants — who have lived on the mountain's slopes ever since.